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If you like wine and wine tasting you will love what Island wineries have to offer. From the pastoral Saanich Peninsula and Cowichan Valley to the beautiful Gulf Islands, the region is home to almost fifty commercial vineyards and wineries. Several distilleries thrown into the mix make it the largest wine producing region in B.C. behind the Okanagan.

Be sure to visit the spectacular Wild Pacific Trail that runs along the rugged coastline in Uclulet. The trail, suitable for all users, provides breathtaking views of the Pacific as it winds around a craggy, windswept shoreline.

Hiking the west coast of Vancouver Island always leaves me in awe of the spectacular setting and wishing I could share it with the younger members of the family. The Juan de Fuca Trail provides such an opportunity, and is a spectacular West Coast hiking and camping destination for either day hikes or multi-day expeditions.

The Cowichan Valley Trail is truly a gem amongst the easily accessible trails on Vancouver Island. One of the big draws of the Cowichan Valley Trail is the Kinsol Trestle that spans the Koksilah River several kilometres north of Lake Cowichan. The trail was on my bucket list, so when one of my riding buddies suggested we tour it with our cyclocross bikes, I was all in.

Headed to Tofino? Make sure to add Hot Springs Cove to the itinerary. The remote pools lie in a unique and spectacular setting, cascading over a waterfall and into a series of natural pools in a large rock cleft leading directly to the ocean. The springs are located on Vancouver Island at the north end of spectacular Clayoquot Sound in Maquinna Marine Provincial Park.

For years, I had wanted to go to Meares Island to see the huge cedar and spruce trees around which so much controversy was swirling in the 1980’s. During a recent visit to Tofino, I finally had the opportunity to visit these ancient giants, some of which are 1500-2000 years old.

What do all Those Wine Competition Medals Mean Anyway? We have all seen wineries proudly proclaim that their wines received a medal at this or that competition, and you will undoubtedly see this during tours of Vancouver Island wineries. While generally it means the wine is better than average, it is helpful to know the basics of wine judging and how medals and rankings are determined. It can also assist with awareness in your own wine sampling during your Vancouver Island wine tour.

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You can make your way to the Island by air or by boat – sorry no bridges. Fly in by floatplane to the Inner Harbour or to Victoria International Airport (YYJ). From Vancouver International Airport (YVR), either rent a vehicle or board a bus and come by boat with BC Ferries.